31 Walks from Water to Water 1971–2010Hamish Fulton

31 Walks from Water to Water 1971–2010

Internationally acclaimed Kent-based artist Hamish Fulton has created a 5×4.6m metal sign, mapping the 31 water-related walks he has made from coast to coast, river to river, coast to river, across the British Isles and western Europe over his 40-year career. During the Folkestone Triennial in 2011, Fulton also produced and displayed A2-sized text posters around the town, this highlighted the walks he had made in the South East of England. Four of the Kent walks were made especially for the Folkestone Triennial.

Hamish Fulton is an artist who doesn’t really need a studio or any art materials, just a sturdy pair of shoes and some energy in his legs. For Fulton walking is a contemplative activity that allows a person to connect with and explore the landscape. This celebration of the natural above the man made is one reason why his walks are governed by barriers made by nature rather than by governments. Fulton has also chosen walking as deliberately slow activity that counters the ever increasing pace of modern living in which speed and convenience often seem to be prioritised over quality of life.